Secretary of State Ruth Johnson will unveil a pilot program that will put ATM-style machines in two Meijer stores during a press conference at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 24, at the Grand Rapids-area Meijer store, at 1540 28th St. SE, according to a news advisory issued this afternoon.

The 28th Street and Kalamazoo Meijer store appears to be one of the locations of the self-serve stations along with a store on the eastside of the state in Lincoln Park, at 3710 Dix Hwy.

Mark Murray, Meijer co-chief executive officer and vice chairman, also is scheduled to take part in the press conference.

The partnership between the Midwest retailer, which operates more than half its 200 stores in Michigan, and the state plays up Murray's long-standing ties to state government. He served as budget director and state treasurer under Gov. John Engler and as an unpaid adviser to Gov. Rick Snyder as he prepared to take office.

"Secretary Johnson and Meijer are committed to providing convenience and excellent customer service," reads a statement announcing the news conference. "The ATM-style machines give customers the option of renewing their vehicle tabs without traveling to an SOS branch office while visiting the two participating Meijer stores."

The state already has self-service stations at many branch offices and other government offices, according to its website. The machines accept major credits and charge nominal fees for transactions.